9/25/2013 - Fighting back against sexual misconduct

Every two minutes, a person within the U.S. is sexually assaulted, leaving them with physical and emotional scars that may never fully heal. Adding insult to injury more than half (54%) of these assaults are never reported to the proper authorities.

These sobering statistics illustrate why RAINN Day is recognized by thousands of college campuses around the country. RAINN - the Rape Abuse and Incest National Network - is a national charitable organization that aims to empower college students with the information they need to fight sexual abuse whenever it presents itself, whether individuals themselves experience it or if they know someone who may have been victimized.

Katherine Hull, spokesperson for RAINN, noted that all too often, people can feel like they're in a situation where they couldn't be hurt or harmed.

"While heading back to school is an exciting time for students, it can foster a false sense of security," said Hull. "The risk doesn't just come from strangers lurking in the bushes, but from their peers on campus."

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, in more than two-thirds of the rapes that are committed, the victim knows the perpetrator. And a substantial number of them occur within walking distance of a person's home residence - 50% as detailed in a 1997 sex offenses and offenders study.

The anti-sexual violence organization offers some tips that students may want to review so that they can know what to do when presented with situations that they're uncomfortable with.

Rape and forcible sexual misconduct is grounds for dismissal, whether involving a student or faculty member. These incidents can often lead to lawsuits. Some business insurance solutions may provide the protection needed for defense or monetary award purposes.